One Day At a Time ✔️

Ch. 68 Tired of This

Sunstreaker's P.O.V.
Ratchet wasn't entirely correct about adjusting the treadmill's speed and the weight on some equipment. I couldn't adjust daily as he thought, but this is good progress. We know it will still be a few months before Jamie returns to normal heavy lifting and running speed. The concern is when she'll be discouraged and refuse to workout due to the limits.
At least Sideswipe can make the pool fun.

We're deciding to go to the beach today. We didn't think Lennox and Optimus would plan a beach day for everyone. However, not everyone is coming with us. 
"You think she'll be ok?" Sideswipe asks, "I know we've taken Jamie out, but is she going to be fine with other Autobots
and soldiers seeing her?"
"It's not any different from the cafeteria," Crosshairs points out.
I know he and Drift are still worried, but also know this is good for Jamie.
For now, it's time for Jamie's therapy. 

As I worried, Jamie is annoyed with the limits she still has. While I have been worried this would happen, I didn't think she'd cry.
It's hard hearing her cry, and there's nothing we can say. It could be six months before she's training as she was last year, and that will not help right now.
What can we even do? Sideswipe asks through the bond.
I don't know. They don't know.
The two decide to get Jamie back to their room. Sideswipe and I know she needs space, but we don't like leaving the three alone, knowing how upset Jamie is.

Drift's P.O.V.
I don't know what to do to get Jamie to calm down—not wanting to resort to drugs. 
Crosshairs and I sit on the couch. I know the look Crosshairs is giving me. We need to get her to calm down, but what can we say?

Jamie is getting tired from all the crying and finally calms down. Tears still roll down her face.
"You're recovering," Crosshairs says, "you know this takes time."
Anything more is going to upset her further. Crosshairs gets tissue from his pocket and cleans Jamie's nose and eyes. We lay on the bed with her. Expecting her to fall asleep soon. I hate seeing the sadness in her eyes.

Twenty minutes pass before Jamie is asleep. The terror twins have been waiting for a half-hour for an update. We need to tell Ratchet about this, but there's nothing we can do. Jamie is going to refuse therapy, and she's not ready for training.
"If the pool isn't enough," Sunstreaker sighs.
"Hopefully, tomorrow she'll be in a better mood," Sideswipe comments.
The two look at Jamie asleep before leaving.

"... I'm not sure what we can do," Ratchet sighs after hearing what happened, "I already told Sunstreaker he can decide when she can go back to training. He says she's not ready."
"I don't know how encouraging Crosshairs, and I can be," I sigh, frustrated.
Ratchet wonders if Optimus talking to Jamie will help. Not like we can make things worse.

Optimus Prime's P.O.V.
It's troubling hearing how upset Jamie is and why. I'm not sure how much help I will be.
It's understandable that Crosshairs and Drift are uncertain if I should talk to Jamie. I think they're tired of her crying, but she'll be upset until she's back to fighting shape.

None of us expected Jamie to be afraid to see me. It's obvious what she's thinking as unlike with the other humans, I am her superior.
I pick her up and hug her as she cries. Hoping to get her to calm down and talk to her. Hating how tiny she is.

Jamie finally calms down. Even while afraid of why I'm here, she doesn't get away from me.
I'm not here to tell you I'm discharging you. I know you are not liking how slow recovery is taking, but you'll cause more injury if you do more than you're ready to do. You'll be ready to join us in battle soon."
I have the twins come by and take Jamie to the pool. At least she's choosing to go with them. I know Crosshairs and Drift are struggling to watch Jamie go through this more than the others. I'm not sure what I can do to help.

Sideswipe's P.O.V.
Jamie likes playing in the pool. She always liked the inner tube, but we like how she's been using the pool noodle. It's been easy to get her to play. I'm not liking how it's w game of chase, and Jamie is chasing me.
At least she's happy. Sunstreaker says through the bond.
You're enjoying this.
I'm wondering what else I can do for nee therapy. This will not be enough.
Sunstreaker has been worried since Jamie ended up in the medbay. I was hoping my idea to approach therapy has play would have helped. I should have known Jamie would have gotten frustrated. I've seen it a few times as injured Autobots go through therapy to get back into battle.

"... we can only hope Optimus talking to her will get her to cooperate," Drift finishes telling Sunstreaker and me about Optimus talking to Jamie, "we're out of options if that didn't encourage her."
Tears roll down his face. Drift goes into his room.
"You ok?" I ask Crosshairs.
"No, but this is harder on him. Seeing the one he loves struggling differs from watching a friend struggle. There's nothing I can do to help either of them."
We don't want to accept this is the end of Jamie's recovery aside from gaining weight, that our little warrior won't be in battle with us, but can't force Jamie to do therapy.